Theos-World RE: [bn-sd] RE: How do we group study the SD?

Aug 19th
Dear Peter:
I enjoyed reading this.
It occurs to me (perhaps this is obvious ?) that we need first of
all to acquire an understanding of the "3 FUNDAMENTALS" ( SD I
14-19 ).
With that in hand we o forward.
In TRANSACTIONS OF THE BLAVATSKY LODGE, HPB gives us some deeper
views of the relations of archaic expressions of metaphysical and
physical history which are seen to be the applied
"3 Fundamentals," or, how they work together to produce our
situation and the history of our past evolution, individually and
as a group or a mass of co-evolving Monads (imperishable
Life-atoms, as well as Manasic beings).
This important and basic link is one we need to truly grasp.
Everything depends on it. The Laws of development of
intelligence - consciousness - deserve both a reason for their
existence and a perceptible result of efforts so far carried out.
(ourselves) -- and Those who have preceded us in wisdom
acquisition stand as evidence of our potential achievements --
achievements that we determine for ourselves. In the KEY (p.
233) HPB speaks of the golden links of the great chain of
individual development : Universal Unity and Causation, Human
Solidarity, the Law of Karma, Reincarnation. These are a part
of the "3 Fundamentals."
Law guides all things. Imperishable points of life (Monads)
demand awareness and responsibility out of Non-manifestation
springs the 3-fold areas of MANIFESTATION (SD I 181-2 ). But
NON-MANIFESTATION (the ABSOLUTE) is logically needed as a basis
for immutable continuity, as well as a basis for the ultimate
resolution of all acquirements and increments of
self-consciousness. It sounds like a paradox, but in reality it
is not.
A few notes below:
D. T. B.
==================================================
From: Peter M-------t ]
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2000 2:30 PM
Subject: How do we group study the SD?
Friends,
I wanted to add some thoughts to what Leon and others have
offered on this
topic.
The aim of this group is to study "The Secret Doctrine". So, all
we need to
do is begin by exploring and reflecting upon what we find
therein. It is
not necessary for any of us to be experts, or for even one of us
to be an
expert, before we make this beginning step. Let us simply share
our
understandings and questions to the best of our abilities and
seek to
support each other in looking deeper into the doctrines.
Whether the language and ideas that we use are those of science,
philosophy
or religion is of little consequence providing our focus is on
understanding
the 'truths' presented in those pages. There is plenty of room
for all of
us to take part whatever our persuasion or inclination to one
system of
thought, spiritual tradition, or another.
DTB The accounts and reconciliation in the SD by HPB of the
various Theogonies and myths is evidence of the universality of
great truths which have been portrayed in various times using
many kinds of images. The underlying verities and moral links
are to be looked for in the stories.
We are bound to want to understand what HPB is referring to in
much of the
terminology that is used. It is true that HPB discusses
'science' in the
SD. And it is understandable that those who have a scientific
leaning
clothe the ideas of the Wisdom Religion in the language of
science. But
the fact of the matter is that the majority of the language used
to convey
the fundamental principles of the Wisdom Religion comes from
Buddhism and
Hinduism. Hence HPB's words:
"We say it again: archaic Occultism would remain incomprehensible
to all, if
it were rendered otherwise than through the more familiar
channels of
Buddhism and Hinduism. For the former is the emanation of the
latter; and
both are children of one mother -- ancient Lemuro-Atlantean
Wisdom."
(SD I 668)
Therefore it is also understandable that there are those students
of
Theosophy who wish to better understand those "familiar channels"
to which
HPB and the Masters continually refer, with the aim of gaining a
clearer
understanding of what HPB is alluding to in various parts of her
texts.
Others will prefer to look 'further afield' in other articles
that HPB has
written, feeling confident that many a 'mystery' and obscure
passage will be
explained by patient study and reflection on HPB's and the
Masters writings
as a whole. Whatever the approach, like good meditators what is
important
is not to lose the focus and thread of concentration.
I found myself wondering 'what is the language of the Age' that
HPB refers
to her "Message to American Theosophists" - that language which
she
encourages us to use to spread theosophy?
It seems to me the language of our age is very often based upon
confrontation, sarcasm, snide remarks, putting the other person
down & so
on. Can we find a 'language', a 'form' of communication with
each other
that helps us to BUILD upon our understandings (even our
misunderstandings)?
DTB Each decade shows a change in emphasis in word-usages.
Are not those changes an index of a change in meaning assigned to
those words? "The language of the Age," would then be the
ordinary words and expressions we use, and which are easily
understood, but which, as you seem to suggest, demand deep
thought, so as to extract or place true MEANING in and behind
them. The "Doctrine of the Heart" is one that becomes apparent
when the "3 Fundamentals" are seen to be resident in them as
applications.
I would like to repeat something I said when I first wrote into
this new
bn-sd study group:
In Mahatma Letter No 5 (Barker Edition), the Master writes about
an
important principle in Occult Sciences, and although He is
referring to a
somewhat different focus than the one we intend in this group I
believe the
principle is the same:
"... an association of "affinities" of strong magnetic yet
dissimilar forces
and polarities centred around one dominant idea, is necessary for
successful
achievements in occult sciences. What one will fail to do -- the
combined
many will achieve." (ML 5)
May our one "dominant idea" be to help each other better
understand the
fundamentals of the Wisdom Religion so that what ever small
illumination
arises from our work together throws a little more light on the
path of all
those 'pilgrims' who seek out THE WAY.
It is hard work, and requires much individual effort. But as the
Buddha is
reported to have said,
"Better to light one small candle than lament the darkness"
I like the idea of approaching our study along the lines found in
Bowen
little booklet. I had thought this was still our plan, but
perhaps, even
though I tired to catch up with the posts, I missed something
while I was
away on holidays and then off line from a lightning strike(!)
best wishes
...Peter
DTB I hope you will not mind my reflections on what you have
written and which I endorse wholeheartedly.
Dal
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